SR P1 - MS

Section A
Read Text A, in the insert and answer Question 1 and Question 2
QUESTION 01:
(a) In what way is the fountain pen significant to Farris? (Line 2-4 ) [1]
Confidence boost Farris believes that using the fountain pen will give him a feeling of "supreme
confidence. (or) Farris sees the fountain pen as a potential catalyst for changing his image. (or) It
helps alleviate his anxiety and fear of confrontation, allowing him to face challenging situations with
greater ease.
(b) Using your own words, explain what the text means by "Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues
stared at him in amazement." (line 11-12) [2]
"Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues stared at him in amazement" means that they were surprised and
astonished by Farris's unexpected behavior. Farris, who usually remained silent during staff
meetings, suddenly dared to challenge Mr. Arsalan's views. This unexpected action, coupled with
Farris's newfound expressiveness and confidence, catches Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues off guard.
They are taken aback by Farris's boldness and the strength of his argument, leading them to stare at
him in disbelief and astonishment
(c) Give two features of Farris life effected by the fountain pen. (line 17-25) [2]
Confidence: It empowers him to speak up during the staff meeting, challenging Mr. Arsalan's
arguments with unprecedented persuasion and conviction.
Professional Advancement: Farris's use of the fountain pen coincides with his promotion to the
position of second senior architect, leading to recognition and advancement within the company.
(d) Give two details that show the extent of Farris's celebration. (line 31-35)[2]
Went out to dinner in the best restaurant in town. Both Farris and his wife ordered the specialty dish
from the middle of the page. Farris signed the cheque with the flourish of his fountain pen and left a
generous tip.
(e) Explain what the phrase "Well done, Farris,' announced Mr. Arsalan coldly" reveals about
Mr.
Arsalan's attitude towards Farris. (line 16) [1]
It indicates that Mr. Arsalan's tone lacks warmth or genuine praise. Instead, his delivery suggests a sense
of reluctance or resentment in acknowledging Farris's success.
(f) (i) How does Farris feel about the promotion to second senior architect?
(ii) Give two details from the text to support your answer. (line 22-25)[3]
(i) Farris feels pleased and grateful about the promotion to second senior architect
(ii) That evening Farris and his wife went out for dinner to celebrate,"
Gave much credit to the fountain pen, as it had helped him make important decisions,
otherwise he would have never spoken to Mr. Arsalan. It empowered him with confidence.
(g) (i) What was the problem Farris faced in the restaurant? [1]
Farris had forgotten his pen at the restaurant
(ii) How was the problem solved? (line 40-43) [1]
The problem was solved when Farris realized his mistake and promptly took action to retrieve the
fountain pen. He immediately instructed the taxi driver to turn around and return to the restaurant

(h) Explain, using your own words, different feelings Farris experiences throughout the story.
Give three details from anywhere in the text to support your answer.[3]
Initially, Farris feels unhappy and under pressure in his job as a junior architect, particularly due to the
demanding nature of his senior colleague, Mr. Arsalan. This is evident when the text describes Farris as
becoming "increasingly unhappy in his job" and feeling pressured by Mr. Arsalan's expectations
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After purchasing the fountain pen and using it during the staff meeting, Farris experiences a surge of
confidence and satisfaction. He feels empowered to speak up and challenge Mr. Arsalan's arguments,
leading to a sense of accomplishment. He felt content due to his pen.
Towards the end of the story, Farris experiences disappointment and loss when he realizes that he has
left his fountain pen behind in the restaurant.

QUESTION 2:
(a) Read this extract from the text:
"Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues stared at him in amazement." (line 11)
What does the writer want to suggest to us about the situation at this point in the story? [1]
The writer wants to suggest that the situation at this point in the story is highly unusual or unexpected.
(or) The reaction of
Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues indicates that they are taken aback by Farris's unexpected actions,
highlighting the significance of this moment in the story. (or)
The writer uses this description to emphasize the transformative impact of the fountain pen on Farris's
behavior and the reaction it elicits from those around him.
b) Explain why the writer uses the word 'amazement' rather than 'surprise' in the expression
'Mr. Arsalan and his colleagues stared at him in amazement.' (line 11) [1]
"Amazement" suggests a feeling of wonder or admiration, indicating that Mr. Arsalan and his
colleagues are not only surprised by Farris's sudden boldness but also impressed by it. This word
choice implies that Farris's unexpected behavior during the staff meeting surpasses simple surprise
and leaves a lasting impression on those observing him

c) What two impressions does the writer want to convey to the reader in the following
sentence? "Days, weeks, months went by. Farris called the restaurant everyday " (line 44)[2]
Firstly, the writer wants to convey Farris's persistent efforts to retrieve his lost fountain pen. Despite
the passage of time, indicated by "Days, weeks, months," Farris continues to call the restaurant every
day. This persistence highlights the importance of the fountain pen to Farris and his determination to
recover it, even as time goes on.
Secondly, the writer also wants to convey Farris's growing frustration and disappointment as his
attempts to find the fountain pen prove unsuccessful. Despite his consistent efforts, indicated by the
repetition of calling the restaurant "every day," Farris is unable to locate the lost item.

d) Read this sentence from the following text:

"Finally, when he sensed a note of irritation in the restaurant manager's voice, he realized that
it was time to give up the search. He knew he would never see his pen again” (line45)

What effect does the writer suggest about the restaurant manager by using the word
'irritation' to describe it? [2]
By using the word "irritation" to describe the restaurant manager's voice, the writer suggests that the
restaurant manager is annoyed with Farris's repeated inquiries about the lost fountain pen. (or)
This implies that Farris's persistent calls to the restaurant have begun to bother the restaurant staff,
including the manager. The use of "irritation" implies a negative emotion on the part of the manager,
indicating that Farris's continued efforts to retrieve the pen have become bothersome or frustrating to
the restaurant staff.(or)
This word choice underscores the idea that Farris's search for the fountain pen has reached a point
where it is no longer fruitful or welcoming, prompting him to give up on finding it.
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e) Identify one example from the text below of how the writer uses language effectively to
convey
Farris's feelings of losing his pen.[3]
"They jumped into taxi………………………………………………………………………………… good." (line 38-43)

Example
"Time stood still for Farris. He clearly pictured his pen lying on the table in the restaurant."
Explanation
In this sentence, the writer uses the metaphor "Time stood still" to vividly depict Farris's sense of shock
and realization upon realizing that he forgot his fountain pen. This metaphor suggests that Farris
experiences a moment of intense emotional impact, where time seems to freeze as he comes to terms
with the gravity of his mistake. Additionally, the phrase "He clearly pictured his pen lying on the table in
the restaurant" emphasizes Farris's vivid mental image of the lost pen, indicating his deep attachment to
it and the distress he feels at its absence. Overall, this use of language effectively conveys Farris's
feelings of loss and regret over leaving behind his fountain

Section B
Read Text B, in the insert and answer Question 3.
Question 3
(a)Identify and write down the reasons for giving up motivational speaking by the writer, as
outlined in the passage according to Text B
This question tests the following reading assessment objectives (10 marks)
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R5 select and use information for specific purposes
And the following writing assessment objectives (10 marks)
W2 organize and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect
W3 use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context
Responses might use the following ideas:
 Self-realization and frustration at being automatically associated with motivational speaking
solely because of her disability, feeling as though she was branded into the role without
choosing it herself
 Overshadowing Achievements: Despite having achieved significant accomplishments such as
organizing events, challenging policies, earning degrees, and contributing ideas, the author feels
that her work is overshadowed by her identity as a motivational speaker
 False Expectations: The author challenges the expectation that motivational speakers must have
tragic backstories to be considered inspirational. She asserts that her life, though different due
to her disability, is not tragic, and she resents being expected to frame it as such
 Misrepresentation: The author feels misrepresented on stage, where audiences often only see
her disability and fail to recognize her other talents, experiences, and contributions beyond
motivational speaking
 Limited career growth: The author feels limited in her career growth and prospects as a
motivational speaker, especially as other speakers with "sadder" stories take the stage
 Identity Declaration: The author asserts her identity as more than just a motivational speaker;
she identifies as an author and a CEO, highlighting her desire to pursue other endeavors where
she feels her talents and contributions are better appreciated and recognized.
 Professional Identity: Her identity as more than just a motivational speaker. Despite the
recognition and success she has achieved in that role, she feels that it does not fully encompass
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her skills, experiences, and aspirations. By quitting motivational speaking, she seeks to redefine
herself professionally and pursue opportunities where she feels her talents and contributions
are better aligned and valued.
 Financial Instability: The author highlights the financial instability associated with relying solely
on motivational speaking as a source of income. Despite the praise and success she has
experienced as a motivational speaker, she warns that it is not a reliable or sustainable source of
income in the long term. She advises caution to those who depend solely on motivational
speaking for their livelihood, emphasizing the need for alternative sources of income and career
paths.
Marking criteria for Question 3(a)
Table R, Reading
Use the following table to give a mark out of 10 for reading.
Level Marks Description
5 9-10 • A wide range of relevant ideas (R1)
• Ideas are skilfully selected and used (R5
4 7-8 • A good range of relevant ideas (R1)
• Ideas are carefully selected and used (R5)
3 5-6 • A range of relevant ideas (R1)
• Relevant ideas selected; may include excess material (R5)
2 3-4 • Some relevant ideas used; may include indiscriminate selection (R1 and R5)
1 1-2 • Some ideas referred to; limited evidence of selection (R1 and R5)
0 0 • No creditable content

Table W, Writing
Use the following table to give a mark out of 10 for writing.
Level Marks Description
5 9-10 A relevant response that is expressed clearly, fluently and mostly with
concision.
• The response is well organized. (W2)
• The response is the candidate’s own words and/or structures where
appropriate with a range of vocabulary which clarifies meaning. (W3)
4 7-8 A relevant response that is expressed clearly with some areas of concision.
• The response is organized. (W2)
• The response is the candidate’s own words and/or structures where
appropriate. (W3)
3 5-6 A relevant response that is generally expressed clearly.
• There is some evidence of organization. (W2)
• The response is mainly the candidate’s own words and/or structures where
appropriate. (W3)
2 3-4 A relevant response that can generally be followed.
• There are areas of the response expressed in the candidate’s own words
and/or structures. (W2 and W3)
1 1-2 The response lacks clarity.
• There is occasional use of own words and/or structures. (W2)
• There may be long explanations or the response may be brief. (W3)
0 0 • No creditable content
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(b) [5]
Responses might use the following ideas
The speaker gives several reasons why one might not want to be a motivational speaker:

1. Loss of Identity: Motivational speaking can overshadow other accomplishments and

make it difficult to be recognized for your true skills and passions.

2. Inauthenticity: There can be pressure to conform to a certain image or tell a tragic

story that may not be genuine.

3. Focus on Inspiration over Substance: Motivational speaking may not provide

the opportunity to delve into complex issues or offer practical solutions.

4. Short-Term Impact: The motivational speaking industry can be fickle, and success
may not be long-lasting.

Table R, Reading
Use the following table to give a mark out of 5 for reading.
Level Marks Description
3 4-5 • Consistent and relevant perspective offered.
• Ideas are developed and supported.
2 2-3 • Generally relevant perspective offered.
• Some attempt to support or develop.

1 1 • Some awareness of opinion or attitude.

0 0 • No creditable content